Student Loans For Career Training

What To Watch Out For When Borrowing For A Certificate Program

Not all certificate programs are created equal. When youre comparing your loan options, ensure your program and school meet your lenders requirements before applying:

• Program eligibility. Bootcamps, seminars and other career development programs may not be eligible for traditional student loans. Check with your lender to make sure your program qualifies before applying.
• School eligibility. Some certificate programs are offered through Title IV schools, which means theyre eligible for federal aid and most private student loans. But if youre going to a trade school or community college for your certificate, you may find you arent able to borrow from a traditional student loan provider.

Types Of Financial Aid Available For Trade Schools

Many students rely on financial aid to pay for vocational school. Financial aid for trade schools, however, isnt always as clear-cut as it is for more traditional four-year colleges and universities and their degrees.

To help you out, heres where to search out student loans and financial aid for trade schools.

How To Take Out Student Loans For Trade School

Make sure to check all your free options for trade school, such as scholarships and grants, since these dont have to be repaid. Once youve done this, the next place to look is student loans.

Heres how to take out student loans for trade school:

• Fill out the FAFSA. Start by completing the FAFSA to see what type of federal aid you might be eligible for, including scholarships and grants. To complete the FAFSA, visit the StudentAid.gov website. Accept the federal student loans you qualify for. After submitting your FAFSA, youll receive an award letter from your schools financial aid office. You can then choose which federal student aid you want to accept.
• Take out private student loans to fill the gaps. Once youve exhausted your federal financial aid options, consider private student loans to help fill any gaps. Unlike federal student loans, youll typically need good credit history and an income to qualify for private student loans. Having a cosigner with good credit could also help you get approved. And some lenders offer student loans for bad credit as well.

If you decide to take out a private student loan, be sure to shop around and consider as many lenders as possible to find the right loan for you.

The companies in the table below are Credibles approved partner lenders. Whether youre the borrower or cosigner, Credible makes it easy to compare rates from multiple private student loan providers without affecting your credit score.

Also Check: Career Change In My 40s

Scholarships For Trade Schools

Next, seek out scholarships to get free money for your program costs. The best place to start your search is with your trade school. See if it offers a school-sponsored scholarship or can point you to other private scholarships for which you could be eligible.

Check for student aid from your state of residence, as well. North Dakota, for example, offers a North Dakota Career and Technical Education Scholarship that provides up to $6,000 in total funding to eligible students.

Professional associations in your career field can be another source of scholarships for trade schools. The American Association of Cosmetology Schools sponsors scholarships for cosmetology students, while the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation funds several scholarships for students of the culinary arts.

Last, see if your employer offers common educational benefits such as tuition reimbursement or assistance. And search online for even more trade school scholarships with student aid search tools like Scholarships.com or FastWeb.

What To Know About Student Loans For Career Training Schools

Theres been a lot of news lately about how the government is stepping in to help people handle the financial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Checks to most Americans for $1200 certainly top the list of what we all hope to receive. But did you know that there are also new rules about student loans that could save you money?

Don’t Miss: Amazon’s Global Career Site

Watch Out For These Student Loan Scams

With so much news about the COVID-19 pandemic and government benefits coming at you every day, its easy to get confused. Sadly, thats exactly what scam artists are hoping for. Dont get fooled! Here are 3 scams to be aware of:

• Fake Checks: Pay close attention to any check that isnt issued from the U.S. Treasury, especially if its for an amount that doesnt make sense. If a check you didnt expect comes from someone you dont know, do not cash it its a way for criminals to access your bank account.
• Upfront Fees: If anyone claiming to be from a governmental agency asks for an upfront fee, dont pay it. There are no required upfront fees for the stimulus checks or any payments for student loans.

At Porter and Chester Institute, we offer career-focused programs that provide you with knowledge and hands-on skills that will help you become a valued employee. We also teach you about important professional and career skills, including how to be responsible about your finances and your student loans. And were still teaching. Want to learn how weve adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic? Request more information today.

Take the Next Step with PCI

Can I Get Student Loans For A Trade School

Yes, of course. Apparently, the kind of student loan you get for a trade school depends on the type of school you are attending.

Most times, getting a federal student loan can be very difficult and the process if any, rigorous!

This is because, they will want to look into your federal student loans option since their interest rates are much lower and have flexible repayment plans too.

Read Also: Virginia Beach Technical And Career Education Center

Repayment Period Beginning Interest Rates

When your repayment begins, loans are charged the floating interest rate by default. It is possible to convert to a fixed interest rate, however, once it is changed you are set at the fixed rate for the life of your loan.

Effective April 2021, the Government of Canada has suspended the accumulation of interest on Canada Student Loans until March 31, 2023.

To estimate how much your loan will be, click here.

Note: You can claim a tax credit for the interest you pay.

Sallie Mae Student Loan For Trade Schools

This student loan option has a borrowing limit of $1,000 up to the total cost of attendance. The variable on the interest rate ranges from 2.87% to 10.75%.

Also, while youre still in school, you are open to the various repayment options such as the fixed monthly payment option, interest-only payment, or the immediate repayment plans.

Don’t Miss: Early Childhood Education Career Path

Closed School Loan Discharge Program:

The Closed School Loan Discharge program is designed to help students who could not finish their education because their school closed. If you withdrew from ATI Career Training Center before it closed or failed to complete your program due to the closure, then you may be eligible for a discharge on your student loans.

What Are Trade Schools

A trade school is an educational program beyond high school that provides training for a specific career or job. Also referred to as vocational, technical, or career schools, these schools coursework typically leads to an occupation-specific certification, licensing process, or apprenticeship.

From carpentry apprenticeships and computer coding boot camps to cosmetology schools and community colleges, trade schools provide training in a wide range of fields. Most trade school programs last two years or fewer, offering a chance to boost employability with less time and money invested than with a four-year degree.

Workers who earned an occupational degree, for example, are more likely to be employed full-time than those who didnt. And those with an associates degree earn 17% more than those with only a high school diploma, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Also Check: Us Career Institute Dental Assistant

Professional And Career Development Loans

The Professional and Career Development Loan scheme is now closed for new applications.

If you have an existing loan, it will not be affected.

Youll still need to repay the loan and any interest, even if you do not complete the course or your course provider goes out of business.

Youll start repaying the loan 1 month after leaving your course.

Should I Sign Up For A Certificate Program

It depends on your circumstances both personal and financial. Consider the benefits and drawbacks before committing:

Benefits of a certificate program

• Advance your career. A certificate program can be the next step to a promotion or a job in a new industry. Having a formal background in your field can help set you apart from other candidates.
• Reduce costs. Full-fledged degree programs especially graduate degrees can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The cost of a certificate program is typically just a fraction of that expense.
• Smaller time commitment. Like costs, a certificate program takes much less time than pursuing a graduate degree usually less than a year. If your schedule has less wiggle room, a certificate program may be much more accessible.

Drawbacks of a certificate program

• Poor return on investment. Although a certificate program can be helpful, it may not be worth the cost if you dont land a high-paying job or have to pay back loans at a high rate. Ensure your program has a good placement rate and is in an industry you love before enrolling.
• Lack of accreditation. If you dont go through an accredited school, your certificate may not be worth what you paid. Check that your program is legit and well respected and preferably, offered through an accredited institution.
• May be limiting. A certificate can be useful if youre trying to get qualified for a certain position, but it wont expand your job prospects the same way a degree might.

Recommended Reading: Software Engineer Early Career Google

What Is The Difference Between A Trade School Vs A College

Trade school programs typically last for less than two years. They may focus on a specific career and provide hands on training that revolves around the chosen field. These programs may not include additional mathematics or English coursework like a traditional four year college. Some trade schools may provide these classes to high school students. Participating high schools may allow students to study these programs as an additional part of their curriculum.

Due to the shorter time spent in the program, you may jumpstart your career sooner. The vocational school also could provide a certificate program or associate degree. To earn a bachelor degree or higher, you may have to attend a traditional four year college.

You may want to attend a trade school so you could launch your career. Some entry level positions include plumber, electrician and HVAC technician. Many students may pursue a trade school when they are looking to make a career change to a different field. Costs could vary widely depending on the career program, and sometimes you may find lower tuition prices for the chosen program field. Also, another reason to pursue a trade school is to find an apprenticeship. Plumbing or electrical apprenticeships could offer hands on experience and valuable lessons to eligible students.

What Private Student Loans Can You Apply For Trade School

Some private lenders may offer trade school loan programs if you qualify. Other lenders may not offer financing unless you enroll in a degree program. Research lenders to find out their requirements for trade school student borrowers. Eligibility requirements could vary, but many lenders may require:

• Being a US citizen, permanent resident or national
• Attending an eligible or participating school
• Meet credit requirements

Also Check: Career In The Air Force

Where To Find The Money That Fits Your Educational Plan

Technical Schools are quickly becoming a popular alternative to the traditional four-year liberal arts colleges and universities. Many students today are opting to pursue their post-secondary education at a two-year technical school or vocational college, where they can receive the specific training they need to fast-track into a lucrative career. Whether called a vocational college, technical school or career college, these schools offer students the opportunity to learn a trade that will allow them to move seamlessly into the workforce. Career training courses at technical schools run the gamut from computer sciences to auto repair, heating and air conditioning maintenance to cosmetology. For students who are looking to move directly into a rewarding career, technical schools often provide the answer.

Two years of study at a technical school or vocational college may be less expensive than a traditional four-year college or university, but it still requires a sizable financial investment. Most students attending a technical school will need to rely on some combination of financial aid. While scholarships and grants are always the first choice, these can be limited for students enrolled in a career training program. For many students pursuing a degree or certification at a technical school, student loans offer the financial assistance they need to cover their tuition costs.

Grace Period Canada And Provincial Student Loans

You have a period of six months starting on the first day of the month following your last day of full-time studies. During this time you do not need to make any payments on your student loans.

During the grace period, interest does not begin to accrue on your federal Canada Student Loan or your provincial loan.

You can make payments during the grace period. In this time, you pay down your loan principal and reduce the interest charged.

Don’t Miss: Government And Public Administration Career Cluster Jobs

How To Apply For Student Loans For A Certificate Program

When youre ready to get started, gather your W2, federal income tax return and bank statements. This will help make the application process faster. Then follow these steps:

1. Fill out the FAFSA.

To apply for federal aid, youll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid . This can be done in less than an hour if you have all of your information on hand.

Once youre finished, youll see your estimated contribution as well as any loans or other federal aid you may qualify for including the Pell Grant and the Federal Work-Study Program.

2. Search for scholarships and grants.

After filling out the FAFSA, you should look for scholarships and grants you might qualify for. Talk to your schools financial aid office to see if there are any institutional options you might be eligible for. You can also look for scholarships and grants from private organizations, as well as those available through your state.

Exhaust all of your free options before turning to federal or private loans.

3. Compare private student loans.

If federal student loans and other funding options arent enough, you can look into private student loans. Ensure your school or program is eligible first, then compare factors like interest rates, loan terms, cosigner options and repayment plans to find the best fit for you.

Scotlands Acs Offers Student Loans For Pilot Training

Scottish training company ACS Aviation has launched a new financing initiative for aspiring pilots with financial institution, Lendwise.

Lendwise will speed up the processing of applications and will offer competitive rates. In addition, future ACS pilots will have access to a dedicated team that understands the reality of future pilots and a centralised point of contact at Lendwise.

Craig McDonald, Director at ACS Aviation said, Financing is a major barrier to becoming a pilot. ACS partnership with Lendwise will help aspiring pilots finance their studies and make their dreams come true.

Despite the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the aviation industry, ACS Aviation foresees significant demand for new commercial pilots over the next ten years. Because it takes approximately two years to become a qualified airline pilot, this funding program will ensure that we can meet the demand for pilots when the industry recovers. We are pleased to be able to make it easier for aspiring pilots to train with us.

Rishi Zaveri, CEO of Lendwise, added, We are delighted to partner with ACS Aviation to help aspiring pilots fulfil their ambition by enabling their educational route to becoming pilots with our fair and flexible student loans. As the airline industry undergoes a pilot shortage post COVID, Lendwise is glad to working with all stakeholders to address the supply-side of the equation.

You May Like: Penn Foster Medical Assistant Career Diploma

Federal Student Loans For Trade School

You may be eligible for federal student loans to pay for your career training. Federal student loans generally cost less than private loans, and they give you access to a number of protections that arent available through private lenders, like income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness options.

But not all trade schools are eligible or accredited for federal student loans. You can find a directory of accredited trade schools on the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges website.

Also, the majority of trade schools are for-profit, which means not all of them participate in federal student aid programs. You can use the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator tool to see if your trade school is on the list.

The U.S. Department of Education offers three main types of federal student loans:

Check Out:How to Find and Apply for College Grants

Student Loans You Can Use For A Certificate Program

Can I get federal student loans for a certificate program?

Yes, there are federal student loans available for qualifying certificate programs. The US Department of Education has a pamphlet on financial aid for graduate and professional students, but in general, you may qualify for Direct Unsubsidized or Grad PLUS Loans.

If youre thinking of pursuing a certificate program, apply for federal student loans before turning to private lenders they tend to come with more flexible repayment options.

Don’t Miss: Cape Girardeau Career And Technology Center Tuition